Your risk of developing allergies is related to your parents' allergy history (allergic
conditions tend to cluster in families). If neither parent is allergic, the chance that you will have allergies
is about 15%. If one parent is allergic, your risk increases to 30% and if both are allergic, your risk in
greater than 60%.

Hay Fever (allergic
rhinitis) is the most common of the allergic diseases. It affects
one in every 5 Americans. Although childhood have fever tends to be more common, this condition can occur
at any age and usually occurs after years of repeated exposures to allergic substances.

Exercise can induce an allergic reaction to food. The usual scenario is that of a
person eating a specific food, and then exercising. As he exercises and his body temperature increases, he
begins to itch, gets lightheaded, and soon develops the characteristic allergic reactions of
hives, asthma,
abdominal symptoms, and even anaphylaxis. The cure, actually a preventive measure, for exercise-induced food
allergy is simple - not eating for at least two hours before exercising.

Over 2 million Americans are allergic to stinging
insects. Many of these people
have severe allergic reactions with 50 to 150 deaths occurring each year from these stings, and up to a million
hospital visits.

Dust mites thrive in warm, humid places. The ideal temperature for dust mites ranges
from 65 to 80 degrees F. Since dust mites have no means of drinking, they are totally dependent on the humidity
surrounding them for water. They live best at a relative humidity above 55%; so, watch it with the humidifier
and carpet steamer! However, also be aware that monitoring the humidity really isn't sufficient to control dust
mites. As the humidity falls, dust mites will retreat from the surface. However, even in very dry conditions, it
can take quite a few months to eliminate the dust mite population. Additionally, there is the issue of food
supply. Face it, they love us, our secretions, and the skin cells we shed. (The average human sheds up to 1.5
grams of skin particles per day. A gram is about the weight of a paper clip.) Plus, they fancy our feather pillows
and stuffed animals that collect the stuff they feast on. The most favorable conditions for dust mite growth
are found in the bedroom. Their favorite breeding grounds are mattresses, pillows, and box springs, as well as
blankets, curtains, carpeting, and other fabric items in the room. For more, please read the MedicineNet.com
Allergy Proof Your Home article.

The most well known indoor allergy is probably due to the domesticated cat. The main allergen
is a protein that is produced by the sweat glands (sebaceous glands) in the skin and appears in the skin flakes
or dander that are shed from cats. The allergen is also found to a lesser degree in the fur, saliva, and
urine. Even with a past history of tolerance to cats, it is possible for a person with an allergic tendency to
develop a sensitivity after constant exposure. For more, please read the MedicineNet.com article,
Pet Allergens.

A cat is a cat is a cat. The allergy is to the entire species. So, do not get fooled
into buying an expensive "hypoallergenic" cat. Cats with less fur may have the same amount of dander as cats
with more fur. For more, please read the MedicineNet.com article,
Pet Allergens.

80% of the population will develop a skin rash when contacting the leaves of the
poison ivy plant. The severity of the rash varies from person to person. People between the ages of 5 and 20
are the most vulnerable to severe forms of skin reaction. Older persons generally have less severe reactions.
10% of people develop very severe skin reactions with major swelling and itching.

Some people are born with a genetic predisposition to be allergic to latex.
However, repeated exposure to latex is necessary for an allergy to develop. If a person is repeatedly exposed
to latex, especially products that are "dipped," the risk of latex allergy substantially increases. Therefore,
persons at risk are health care workers exposed to latex products (such as gloves and catheters), people who
require frequent surgery or catheter use, and workers in the manufacturing or distribution of latex products.
For unknown reasons, people who have surgeries of the spine or urinary tract have a much higher risk of latex
allergy.